What Do University Students Say About ChatGPT? A Topic Modeling of Perception on GenAI in Academic Writing

Abstract

This study explores the student perceptions of Generative AI (GenAI) tools, such as ChatGPT, on academic writing across different educational levels in higher education. Using topic modeling, this study analyzed open-ended responses from 189 university students in Korea to identify the dominant themes related to these tools. The findings reveal that students across all education levels generally recognize the potential of ChatGPT to enhance writing efficiency, idea generation, and organizational structure in their academic work. However, concerns vary by educational level, with graduate students expressing a more cautious and critical attitude towards the use of GenAI tools. These insights provide a deeper understanding of the impact of GenAI on academic writing from a student perspective and offer valuable considerations for instructional support in higher education.